Arsenal cruise against Burnley to extend lead as Forest hold United

Viktor Gyokeres headed Arsenal ahead following a Declan Rice Ccorner in the first half at Turf Moor for his first league goal since mid- September - yet more joy for the set- piece specialists

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Arsenal brushed Burnley aside 2-0 on Saturday to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League as struggling Nottingham Forest held inform Manchester United to a 2-2 draw.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners have won five league games in a row to position themselves as firm favourites to end their painful two-decade wait to be crowned English champions.

England midfielder Rice himself headed home to double the visitors' lead in the 35th minute and put them in total control.

"The first half was exceptional -- we scored two goals and gave nothing away," Arteta told the BBC.

"That was the platform. We had to make a few changes and didn't have that much control in the second half. Defending was exceptional again, we didn't give anything."

Arsenal, who have now won nine games in a row in all competitions, have enviable options in attack but their team is built on a rock-solid defence that has conceded just three league goals in 10 games this season.